spring 2016

Dr. Valaida Wise, NCRC Head of School

I was in one of the classrooms recently when I overheard the following conversation:
I will never leave NCRC, one child said.
Yes you will, said their friend, or youre going to be too old.
No, said the child. I wont have to leave because NCRC will be
in my heart.
It is certainly a beautiful sentiment, but also a telling one. It tells us
that NCRC isnt just a preschool, its a feeling - a feeling that encompasses countless memories, friendships, and firsts. While the details
of these memories will inevitably fade and some will disappear completely, the feeling is always there because one thread stands out in
many of the exchanges I overhear in the classrooms your children
are kind and caring and sensitive to the needs of others. Our teachers
and staff are committed to helping young children relate to each other, consider different perspectives, understand their own emotions
and those of others, and advocate for themselves, so when your children leave NCRC, they will continue to be those same kind and caring
children. This is what contributes to NCRCs rich history and to its
legacy.
The notion of legacy generally implies significance - someone or a
group of someones in the past created something so dynamic, so
timeless, and so unique, that efforts were made to carry it on to benefit future generations.
When I think of legacies, I think of the motivation behind creating
them and carrying them on. I think of promoting a cause and of an
unwavering commitment to work on behalf of that cause. When I
think of legacies, I think of NCRC.
At NCRC, our cause is based on the vision of our founders, on honoring the past, and on dutifully adhering to our mission. Our cause is to
learn all we can about each child and their development, and to put
that knowledge into action, in a way that best supports and nurtures
the growth of each child. NCRC understands the balance between
being smart and kind, high-achieving and compassionate, happy and
successful. It's the foundation of our existence. But our legacy isnt
only about our cause it is also about being part of a larger community, a community that shares our goals, and is passionate and curious to keep learning and growing.
NCRCs lasting legacy carries on through the children, the parents,
and the teachers and staff. As some of you leave us, know that you
and your children will stay in our hearts.
And when we are gone, NCRCs legacy will remain because each of us
has left an indelible mark on the lives of children.

Laura Desai, PA President

I love Beginnings. I dropped my daughter Sydney off for her first day
in the Bunny room this year without so much as a tear (from me at
least, she was a different story!). I knew the fun and friendships and
connections waiting for her in that classroom and I was so excited
for her NCRC experience to begin.
My eyes only welled up slightly as a I waved goodbye to my Kindergartner, Jackson, and left him in his big new school. He spent three
years at NCRC and he left confident and prepared for his next step.
He was excited to be in that new classroom - it was hard to dwell too
long on how big he was and how independent he was becoming.
Endings are not my forte. About this time three years ago I was
sitting with tears running down my face while my son sang
Goodbye Bunnies for the last time at his end of year celebration. Or
even worse, a year ago I was crying so hard on the last day of his
Explorer year I couldnt even make it up the steps of the front porch
to hug and thank the teachers our family love so much. I still remember looking at Val and mouthing I just cant do it and her saying,
Its ok, they know how much you appreciate them. I laugh about it
now. I guess you know theres something special about a preschool
when the thought of leaving it can make a grown woman cry.
Over the years, Ive talked to parents about what it is that makes
NCRC such a special place in our hearts. Its no doubt the perfect
combination of so many things, one of which has to be the NCRC
community faculty, staff, parents and children and the enthusiasm
and connection we share.
This year parents planned potlucks, spread mulch on Family Work
Day, made playdough and read in the classrooms, hung bats and
spiders for Pumpkin Party, served doughnuts and cider at Winter
Celebration, raised their paddles at the Tuition Assistance Auction,
took pictures and wrote articles, coordinated pizza for the Pajama
Picnic, attended breakfasts and coffees, donated baby clothes and
dog toys, and pitched in whenever and however was needed.
As another school year comes to an end, I am grateful to the NCRC
parents and to the NCRC staff and faculty for the time, talent and
energy you give to make this school a place we hold so dear. Thank
you so very much for another wonderful year.
Keep a look out for ways to get involved in the Parent Association
next year and in the meantime Ill be bracing myself for the last
Goodbye Bunnies song in June!

By Robert Davis (Addie, PM Rainbow)

He who has a why, Dr. Viktor Frankel once famously observed, can bear any how.

from the children of Presidents-to-be to the masons, sculptors, and

others who built National Cathedral.

As a parent, I find myself coming back to these words

again and again. So many of the decisions we make for
and with our children the schools they will attend, the
subjects they will study, even the day-to-day activities
they will undertake are driven by the how. That is, by
the desire to help them develop the skills they will need
to navigate lifes challenges, to seize its opportunities, to
succeed.

As current NCRC families, we are the stewards of

both its legacy and of its future. Weve benefitted
immensely from the hard work done over many
years by those who have come before us, and we
have a duty to continue building on that foundation to make NCRC an even better place for those
families who will follow us.

That is why we come to family work day at the

The why the sense of purpose that comes from identi- beginning of each school year.
fying with something larger than ones self can unfortu- That is why we give so freely of our time as
nately get lost in these decisions, both large and small. To parent volunteers.
some extent, this is intentional. A sense of purpose, after
That is why we give to the Annual Fund and
all, is something that each child must discover as part of
his or her personal evolution. No one, not even their par- the Tuition Assistance auction.
ents, can give it to them.

That is why so many continue giving their

time and money to NCRC, even after their
But what we can do as parents is help them understand,
from the earliest possible age, the imperative of why. To children have moved on.
give them the opportunity to experience the value of be- Sometimes I close my eyes and imagine a
ing part of teams, communities, institutions, that are big- day many years from now when our chilger than the sum of their parts. To give them a reason to dren whether still living here or someuse the skills they are developing, and the drive to imwhere else across the country or around
prove them and acquire more.
the globe are back in Cleveland Park.
Without thinking, they find themselves
driving up Newark Street, making the
turn onto Highland Place, and rounding
Fortunately, this is the experience that NCRC offers to our the curve until that big front porch
children, and to us (their parents). For NCRC is so much
comes into view. Suddenly they hear the
more than just a preschool. It is an institution with a rich laughter, see the smiling faces, and feel the energy,
history, and an exciting future. For 88 years, it has stood
the enthusiasm, and the love that is literally flowing down that hill.
at the forefront of early childhood education welcoming
through its doors a broad cross-section of our community, And even if they never knew it before, at that moment they will know
why, too
That is no mean feat, especially when dealing with preschoolers.

ART IS
CREATIVITY

IN ACTION

By Olivia Risoleo, NCRC 04

For as long as I can remember, NCRC was an important part of my life. My family moved
here from New York City when I was just two months old, and NCRC became my very first
community first it was visiting my sister in the Sunshine class, then my brother in the Beehive class. My mom tells me that I would walk in the doors of NCRC and head straight into
Miss Piggys office when my mom served on NCRCs Board, attending meetings as
though they were my own. Every teacher, every parent, every staff member made me feel
like I was an important part of NCRC long before I was able to become a Sunshiner myself. When that day finally came, I remember being so excited because it was finally my turn
to have my own spot in this happy, special place! Even though it was so long ago, I still remember how wonderful, fun and caring my teachers were and how special they all made
me feel.
And this is precisely what I think makes
NCRC so special. Everyone feels welcome
and part of the community the minute they
walk through the doors, whether they are
new to the community or are returning to
visit after many years. Although the students and teachers may change from year
to year, it somehow always feels like coming home.
This is just one of the many reasons I applied to work at NCRC as a summer camp
counselor. I want to be part of the staff and
faculty that help students and parents feel
as welcome and as special as I felt when I
was at NCRC. As I return for my third summer as a counselor, I am excited again to
work with the children and their parents,
and I hope I can be a small part of the reason why they may someday look back on
their time at NCRC and have that overwhelming desire to always be part of the
NCRC family

This years Tuition Assistance

Auction demonstrated what
NCRC is made of a caring,
joyful, generous community.
Together, we raised $169,000
for the Tuition Assistance Fund,
exceeding our goal and raising
a record amount in Raise Your
Paddle To Fund-A-Scholar!

THANK YOU!
Thank you to the Auction
co-chairs, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty
and staff, and Trustees for
believing in NCRCs mission.
Your compassion and
thoughtfulness is laying the
foundation for roots to grow.

Plant both hands and both feet on the

ground, and take a bear walk around the
yard for a fun dose of gross motor play

Draw on your
childs cheek
with ice. Can he
or she guess
what you drew?

Mindfulness time.
Lie down and
watch your belly
rise and fall as you
breathe.

5
Roll up and down a hill or
across the floor in a hot dog
roll to work on movement
exploration.

Kiss a slice of lemon.

How does it taste? Is
it really sour? A taste
test is a great way to
build vocabulary with
adjectives.

Sit on the
ground and face
each other, hold
hands & sway
forward and
back to strengthen the core. Add
a ball!

A quick guide of activities to enjoy with your children this

summer to strengthen gross motor skills and speech and
language skillsall approved and recommended by
Ms. Marian and Ms. Becky.

Play catch with

both hands to
work both sides

Place puzzle pieces on a shelf. Grab a small step ladder and

have your child climb up and down the ladder to get a new
puzzle piece. Both ladders and puzzles strengthen special
awareness.

Blow bubbles high and

lowpop them on
your toe!

10

Make a delicious shake

together and sip it through
a straw. This allows children to practice controlling
their tongue, jaw muscles
and lips.

11 12

Allow them to stack food or

groceries on the counter. This
works balance and hand/eye
coordination.
Put pennies in a
piggy bank to
strengthen your
fingers by using a
pinching motion.

Blow a whistle without

biting your teeth down
on it. The ability to blow
is essential to sound production.

Gardening
together is a
great way to
build childrens senses.

14

13

15

Go around and around your lips

with your tongue to influence
this muscle and the development of speaking abilities.

18
16
17 20
19

Use a kickboard
in the swimming pool to
work those leg
muscles and
kick!

Work on your
balance by stacking books on
your head and
walking around.
Can you add
more than one?

Do a shoebox hike by
placing boxes in a path
and walking in and out
of them

Alternate between sticking

out your tongue and making a silly face.

In a small community like

ours, everyone adds to the
many reasons NCRC is
great because every family, every child and every
teacher makes a difference
- so does every gift to the
Annual Fund.

Lace a
rope
along the
ground
and walk
on it for
balance
and coordination.

We are so grateful to those

who made NCRC their philanthropic priority this year,
allowing us to continue to support the joy, kindness, and
intention of our school.
Together, we completed the
2016 academic year in a
record waywith 95% Parent
Participation.

As we enter the final

month of the 2015-2016
Annual Fund campaign,
lets end with another
record 100% Parent Participation. Were counting
on everyone. Were
counting on you.

THANK YOU!

A tribute to Cathy Parker

Cathy and I have grown up at NCRC. When I arrived a nearly 20 years ago, Cathy was a classroom teacher. She
graciously welcomed me with her warm smile and exuberant aura. Her never-ending love of children remains to
For more than 28 years, Cathy this day. Cathy always recognizes and celebrates even the smallest of accomplishments, comments and joys of
Parker has been a fixture at
every child. Her enthusiasm has always been infectious for me.
NCRC. She began her tenure
Collaborating with Cathy has been one of the greatest gifts. Together we have forged many trails from supporting
as a gifted preschool teacher
the physical development of our students through the motor and the Engine Run programs to presenting at both
and was the architect of the
local and national conferences to organizing community outreach and all-school events.
schools unique movement
program. She was so influen- Even after 20 years there remains so much mutual respect, honesty and joy. I can always, always count on Cathy to
tial in the development of the be there to support me in the many happy times, as well as challenges times One can only surmise that with such
a great colleague Cathy and I have developed a long-lasting friendship, one that will continue to grow as she leaves
program that it has come to
NCRC for another great life adventure. Marian Brice, NCRC Faculty
be called the Cathy Parker
Method (CPM). We have all
Cathy Parker is an amazing educator and the best in
benefited from her expertise,
the field. She taught me everything by watching her.
love of children and joy.
Cathy, you are young at heart, innovative, funny, caring, compassionate, and really get the children.
The NCRC community will

Sheela Woo, NCRC Faculty

certainly miss Cathy. We are

grateful that she has touched
our lives in so many meaningful ways. I know you join me in
wishing her the very best.

I have known and worked with Cathy for 18+ years and
have never met anyone who has so much fun doing
what they do. She has boundless energy, an amazing
sense of humor, a gift for teaching, an abundance of
love for children, and not to mention, she never ages!

Val Wise, Head of School

Cathy welcomed me to NCRC with open arms. The

moment you meet her, you know you have a friend for
life. She and I were original members of NCRCs
Cathy/Katherine/Katie/Katy/Kate club, a very popular
name among NCRC employees. We shared many life
changing events together as well. Cathy and her husband celebrated with me at my wedding, her excitement and love was beyond measure when I became a
Mommy, and at that same time, one of Cathys greatest journeys began, as a grandmother.

You have been a supportive

friend, incredible inspiration,
and role model for me for the
last 19 years. Your kind soul,
creative ideas and witty sense
of humor have lit my days at
NCRC. Thank you for always
being gentle, happy, caring ,
generous and sweet. You made
motor class special for kids and
teachers! The memories will
be a source of wisdom and joy
that I will always treasure! Gracias Cathy!! Enjoy your new
start! You rock!

I consider Cathy a close friend and blessed to have

her in my life. She is one of the most loving, positive,
selfless people I know. We will miss her at NCRC,
but her love for teaching, exercising and days filled
with laughter will never be forgotten.
Katherine Vazquez, NCRC Faculty

Andrea Huerta, NCRC Faculty

Cathy, you have been such a great mentor and friend over this past year! It has been
amazing working and learning from you each and everyday. I will miss your granola bars,
getting toppled by motor equipment, and laughing with you! You bring such an amazing
light to the Motor Program and give the kids such a fun and rewarding experience every
time. Motor will not be the same without you there everyday, but I am so thankful to be
moving forward with such an wonderful and well thought-out program. Your dedication
to the school is uncanny and you should be very proud of all of your service to NCRC, its
students, family, and faculty. Love you Ms. Cathy! And THANK YOU!

Karin Steinmann, NCRC Faculty

Almost 20 years ago, when I first became Head of NCRC, Cathy Parker told me she might
resign soon because she thought she was getting too old to do the job. Notwithstanding
her feelings about this, I soon found out that she had more energy, stamina, physical flexibility, and youthful spirit than anyone else at NCRC, including the children. What a joy to
watch her working with a group of children! Whenever I was having a difficult day, I
would find five minutes to sneak over to the Playhouse and watch Cathy. You know the
drill obstacle courses winding everywhere, parts of which were hanging from the ceiling,
laughing children pulling each other around the room in boxes, all rolled up together in a
mat, enjoying every minute. She worked motor magic. I was grateful to her every day for
what I knew the children and families were learning from her. She was the first person to
teach me belly breathing, which I used many times a day during my years at NCRC. Its
hard to imagine NCRC without Cathy. Im glad she held out this long, I love her, and I wish
her every good thing on her next chapter.

Susan Piggott, Head of School 1998-2008

Cathy became my soul sister the moment we met. We

had so much in common in terms of our stage of life,
shared passions, family values, and career goals. Most
importantly, we were perfectly aligned in our view of
children. Watching her in the Motor Room or on Earth
Day was an absolute treat. She marveled at the children
as she watched them and facilitated their work and play.
She had unending love and respect for each and every
one of them and was forever learning from them speaking of them with great hope and promise.
Cathy created and built a program at NCRC that was
crucial to its mission. Her music and movement program, her Brain Gym training, and her experienced, nonjudgmental observations made her invaluable to NCRCs
purpose and process. She was an enduring model to
teachers, both new and veteran. Her witty sense of
humor and her shining smile were contagious.
She leaves an indelible mark on the school and the lives
of the thousands of children she taught. What a gift to
young children she is and will continue to be! To know
Cathy Parker is to love and appreciate the powerful
legacy she leaves behind.

Liz Barclay, Head of School 2008-2014

PHOTO HERE FOR THE PIECE

By Lisa Koven Lee (DJ, Explorer and Anya, AM Beehive)

As I sit and type and ponder where three years

have gone and how my Explorer will be moving
on from NCRC next year and entering kindergarten, I feel profoundly grateful for the NCRC experience. There is so much I am grateful for, but in
particular, I am grateful to NCRC for nurturing
the art of being.

in one another because of what makes

each child unique,
not in spite of their
differences. This was
so clear to me one day when my child was recounting the many things he has learned about
his friends this year -- that Friend 1, a girl, is
There seems to be a lot of writing out there
totally awesome at all sports. That Friend 2, a
about the difference between doing and being.
boy, likes Legos and princesses. That Friend
To be sure, both have a place. Doing tends to be
3, for whom running can be tricky, loves
described by words and phrases such as accomfreeze tag and keeps playing even after everyone
plishing, reacting, behavior-driven, driven by
else gets tired. I was inspired by how these
success, answering. Being, on the other hand,
statements were made so matter-of-factly and
tends to be described by words and phrases like
without judgment. Our children act with joy, and
self-aware, insightful, value-driven, not afraid to
fear of failure is often held at bay. I was stunned
fail, questioning.
the other day when my 5 year old approached
This is Washington. We have the doing thing
the local junior high kids who were in a heated
down cold. In fact, its difficult to remember
soccer match at the park. Can I play? he boldoccasions when I have met someone new and
ly asked. These kids were more than double his
they did not ask what I do. Dont get me wrong.
age and size, yet his love for soccer completely
Doing is important. I actually love living in a town outshined any fear of rejection (at worst) or
where people are so committed to what they do sheer domination (at best). They said yes. He
and work hard to find answers to tough queshad a blast.
tions. There is support and guidance all around
Dr. Wise gave some great, simple advice that has
when it comes to doing.
stuck with me. Encourage your children to ask
So where to look when in need of inspiration on questions. Now, instead of asking, What did
being? Yep. This is an easy one. Our children.
you do at school today? we often ask, Did you
ask any questions today? Ill be honest here,
I love visiting the Explorer room and watching
the joy and curiosity with which they operate. It there are nights when I cant help but wish my
is infectious. Their insights rival Confucius. Their children would STOP asking me questions, but
values are strong. They are genuinely interested the truth is, how wonderful and transformative

NCRC
IN THE
SPRING

it is to be In a place where growing and asking

are infinitely encouraged.
So again, my profound gratitude goes out to
NCRC. Thank you for encouraging my children
to ask questions. Thank you for sparking endless conversation about kindness as well as
about how frogs jump. There will be plenty of
time down the road for doing -- plenty of time
for doing math and doing homework. For now,
I am so grateful to watch my children master
the art of being. It is a skill that will truly last
them a lifetime and help them grow into solid,
wonderful people who are capable of being
anything they can dream of.

By Sloane Menkes, NCRC Board Chair

e are wrapping up another wonderful year at NCRC, and our kids and school community have grown together. As a fellow NCRC
parent and Chair of the Board, I am honored to lead your NCRC Board of Trustees (the Board) in serving as a governance body
to strategically support NCRCs Mission and Vision. Before we break this summer I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with
a quick update on our strategic planning process.
In 2011, the Board created a strategic plan that continues to provide guidance on how to affirm our Mission and Value with seven intentional goals and underlying objectives to support our efforts. This year we have been hard at work, carefully considering the strategic plan and are pleased to share that weve extended the execution of this document for an additional two years and added some additional guidance that Id like to share with you.
This year we've added four dynamic objectives, listed below, from which our NCRC community parents, teachers and staff, Val, grandparents, trustees, parents of alumni, and alumni can all take inspiration from and achieve together. In addition, we remain committed
to our strategic plan which will continue making a difference for our children who are here now and for those who will follow.
NCRCs existing goals include Collaboration and Leadership, Community, Faculty and Staff Development, Diversity, Inclusion, Sustainability and Fiscal Strength. Additionally, the guidance developed by the board to support the continued implementation of our strategic
plan includes:

Education Excellence: Become the standard for early childhood education

We will work every day to model our early childhood education program and shape local and national conversations on the
value and importance of quality preschool education. This may involve documenting and sharing the unique aspects of NCRC
while increasing opportunities for faculty to share this through presentations, conversations with policy makers and in collaboration with a Research Advisory Committee.

Program Design: Meet the needs of current and future families

We will ensure our program offerings remain relevant through evaluation, incorporation of feedback from the community and
analysis of our physical space to make the most of our beautiful school facilities both indoors and out.

Front Porch Community: Connection, communication and diversity

We will continue to cultivate NCRCs diverse and vibrant community of current and alumni parents, children, and faculty while
connecting within our community, and sharing our NCRC story. We will prepare for our 90th celebration in 2017 by creating a
reunion event for our past, present and future families. In addition, we will continue to offer ways to connect and educate ourselves with such compelling programs such as our Fathers, Grandfathers and Fatherly Figures breakfasts, and downtown
brown bag events.

Ways and Means: Sustain Long Term financial strength

We will continue to conduct multi-year strategic budgeting to advance our program, provide faculty and staff development
and to expand revenue generating opportunities . Our focus on the NCRC Fund and growing our endowment also allows us to
sustain NCRC well into the future so this wonderful school will be here for our childrens children.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Board Chair and please know my door is always open if you have any
questions or comments. I can be contacted at sloanemenkes@gmail.com.

Have a wonderful summer!

THE PRESCHOOLER TEAM

2 0 1 6

Grace Chen, Robert Davis,

& Jen Dryer
We welcome all contributions and
suggestions, big or small.

Thank you!